A dull chain is not only less effective but is also dangerous and can shorten the chainsaw’s service life. If buying another chainsaw is not an option, you might as well look for the best chainsaw sharpener.
An effective chain saw is useless without a properly maintained chain, so we conducted tests to find the most reliable chain saw sharpener.
Reviews of the Top Chainsaw Sharpeners
1. Oregon Professional Compact 120-Volt Bench Grinder (410-120)
The Oregon 410-120 Chainsaw Sharpener is the best electric chainsaw grinder that will maintain your tool’s cutting edge over time. It is well worth having for anyone who routinely has to tune up chainsaws for cutting firewood, trimming bushes, or professional landscaping.
You may use it to fine-tune models from a wide range of well-known manufacturers, and it comes with everything you need to do so successfully.
Oregon’s chain grinder is exceptional in its adaptability; it can be mounted on the wall or the workbench and sharpen chains with various pitches.
What We Like
- Compatible with most chains
- It comes with bolts for mounting
- Manual handle to secure links
- Best electric chainsaw sharpener
What We Don't Like
- Instruction manual can be hard to understand
- Setup is needed
2. Oregon 12V Sure Sharp Electric Chainsaw Chain Grinder (575214)
The Oregon 12V 575214 Chainsaw Chain Sharpener is a handy device to have in your truck or bring to work sites since you can use it to sharpen your chainsaw anywhere, thanks to its portability and 12-volt auto adapter or battery clips.
It is the best chainsaw sharpener for portability. It features a straightforward sharpening angle setting reference for precision. It is small and lightweight, taking up little space in your toolbox.
This automatic chainsaw sharpener does not alter the chain’s tooth profile. It will not decrease cutting efficiency and will not weaken your chainsaw teeth.
What We Like
- Portable chainsaw sharpener
- Lightweight
- Car power adapter included
- Available models for various chain sizes
What We Don't Like
- Not compatible with most pitches
- You may need to buy an AC adapter for it
3. Katzco Chainsaw Sharpener File Kit
You can sharpen your chainsaw by hand with this Katzco manual chainsaw sharpener kit. A hardwood handle is attached to three different-sized round files. Additionally, a flat file and depth gauge are included for expert sharpening.
Most manual chainsaw sharpeners like this are convenient sharpening equipment that can be brought into the woods with you and used for on-the-go sharpening, even if it lacks the strength of an electric sharpener.
The tools are stored in a rollable pouch, and their design ensures the interchangeability of the files. Comfortable to hold and built to last, the stained hardwood handles are a great investment.
What We Like
- Portable sharpener
- Tool pouch included
- Depth gauge and file guide included
What We Don't Like
- Instructions are difficult to follow
- You may need to use leather gloves for the handles
4. Sharp Pebble Electric Chainsaw Sharpener Kit
Quickly restoring a chain’s cutting edge is a breeze with the help of this electric chainsaw chain sharpener from Sharp Pebble.
The portable Sharp Pebble electric chain sharpener has a speed range of 8,000 to 33,000 rotations per minute [1] and can be utilized on every standard chain pitch. The cushioned handle makes it simple to keep a firm grip while you work, allowing you to be precise.
Sharpening your chainsaw won’t take more than a few minutes with this tool, and you won’t need to remove the saw chain. The six-foot cord length allows you to do your work without being confined by its proximity to the power source.
What We Like
- Fairly easy to use
- Reasonably priced
- It offers variable speeds
- Precision sharpening
What We Don't Like
- Not for beginners
- You may not be able to tighten the collar by hand fully.
5. Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener
A wall-mounted Buffalo Tools ECSS can free up valuable floor space in your garage or shed. This handy device may be attached to a bench, wall, or vise for instant access and unrivaled stability. It is readily adjusted to fit a wide variety of common chain designs.
Based on our test, you can plug this Buffalo tools chainsaw sharpener into a standard wall outlet, and the 4,200 RPM sharpening speed of its 4-and-a-half-inch wheel will make short work of the job.
We especially like its adaptability because it will allow you to use it with any standard chainsaw pitch.
What We Like
- Compatible with major saw chain pitches
- It can be mounted to a bench, wall, or vise
- Powerful motor
What We Don't Like
- Instructions may be hard to understand
- Mounting it to a wall can be difficult
6. Oregon Professional 120-Volt Bench Grinder (520-120)
The Oregon 520-120 Bench Mounted chain saw sharpener is ideal for those who need to sharpen a wide range of chains. It can be mounted on a workbench and is capable of adjusting to the five different cutting link pitches.
It is built to last and is suitable for both professional and domestic use. It features a self-centering chain vise that can be attached to most workbenches and generates 3,400 rpm when grinding.
It is one of the best chainsaw sharpeners for heavy use and can quickly and evenly sharpen chains. The sharpener’s need to be attached to a workbench probably won’t be an issue for its target market.
What We Like
- Compatible with most chain sizes
- Three grinding wheels and dressing brick included
- Handle position is adjustable
- Self-centering chain vise
What We Don't Like
- A bit expensive
- Setup may be difficult
7. Granberg Bar-Mount Chain Saw Sharpener
Easily sharpen all normal saw chain pitches without removing the chain from your chainsaw with the Granberg bar-mount manual sharpener attached directly to your chainsaw’s bar.
Bar mounted sharpeners like this one are made of aluminum and steel structure making them solid and long-lasting, and it already comes constructed so that setup won’t be part of the sharpening process.
We especially like that Granberg G-106B can be attached to the guide bar in a matter of seconds, and it serves as a guide for the chainsaw file, keeping it at the ideal angle and depth for cutting.
What We Like
- Provides an easy chainsaw sharpening process
- Calibrated swivel guide markings
- File height is adjustable
- Quality manual sharpener
What We Don't Like
- Files are purchased separately
- The warranty is only one-year
8. Legendary-Yes Electric Grinder Chain Saw Sharpener
The electric Legendary-Yes chainsaw sharpener is cheap yet produces results nearly as good as those produced by a professional.
There is a wide side guard for protection, and you can rotate the chain on rollers for simple link advancement. Its height and scale can be adjusted as needed. Thanks to its versatile mounting system, the unit may be attached to a wall, bench, or vise.
Furthermore, the incredible 4800 RPM grinding speed gets your chainsaw razor sharp and ready to go in no time. In seconds, the chain may be removed from the chainsaw and readjusted in the advancing roller.
What We Like
- Quick chain sharpening process
- Chain rotation rollers for advancing links
- Large side guard
- Good for sharpening multiple chains
What We Don't Like
- Bolt and screws not included
- The motor may not be powerful for some chainsaw sharpening jobs
9. Stihl 2 in 1 Easy File Chain Sharpener
Stihl’s 2 in 1 chainsaw files are ideal for infrequent sharpening jobs since they eliminate unnecessary features. Instead of taking up valuable bench space like bulky electric sharpeners, this device can be stored away when not used.
Since it can both sharpen and shorten the depth gauge of chain teeth, this tool is often referred to as a “two-in-one.” Additionally, its portability means you can use it in the field to sharpen the chainsaw mid-cut, though a vise to secure the saw would make it more comfortable and secure.
It’s best to call Stihl’s customer care to ensure it will work with your chain since it’s made for a specific range of chains.
What We Like
- Compact
- User-friendly
- It comes with files
What We Don't Like
- Only for specific chains sizes
- Sharpen chainsaws slower
Chainsaw Sharpener Buyer’s Guide
Type of Sharpener
Manual
Manual sharpeners are the most budget-friendly option because they don’t need an electricity source or batteries to function. You have to use your muscle force to deliver the grinding motion to the chain, which is exhausting but also enables you to precisely angle and grind your chain.
It is a good option if you just need to sharpen your chainsaw infrequently or if you’d rather not spend too much money on a sharpener.
Automatic
Portable chainsaw sharpeners, also known as automatic ones, may seem like the perfect answer because they need so little work. Attaching the chainsaw bar, they bring a sharpening stone into constant touch with the chain as it rotates.
You can adjust the sharpening stones to some degree, but only because they are bent to suit the chainsaw blades. For those who have more than one chainsaw, they may need two separate sharpeners.
Electric
Electric chainsaw sharpeners save time and effort. Some electric sharpeners attach to a workbench, and some attach to a wall; others are hand-held, like a rotary tool.
While electric chainsaw sharpeners have numerous advantages over their manual counterparts, they are also more expensive and require some effort to master. It is a great option if you regularly use chainsaws and are ready to spend more for convenience.
Mounting Choices
Most chainsaw sharpeners are designed to be mounted on a workbench or a wall. Bench mounting is convenient if you have a long, spacious workstation, while wall mounting is more practical for cramped workshops.
You can install a wall-mounted sharpener at or slightly below eye level to avoid bending over when sharpening chainsaws. Electr